09:00

Breakfast and arrival at the Colosseum

Have breakfast near the Colosseo or Monti metro station, then arrive at the entrance a few minutes early. The Colosseum is right next to the Colosseo stop on metro line B; budget around 2–3 € for a simple coffee and pastry at the counter.

Book your Colosseum entry time slot in advance, and bring an ID if required.

10:00

Visit the Colosseum

Spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes at the amphitheatre, taking in the arena, the tiers of seating and the underground structures if they’re included in your ticket. Tickets for the archaeological circuit have variable prices, starting at around 18 €; guided tours and special access cost extra.

Check what’s included in your ticket when booking: access and arrangements may vary.

11:45

Roman Forum

From the Colosseum, continue on foot to the Roman Forum and allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore its main remains. Look out for the Via Sacra, the arches and the remains of the basilicas. The ground is uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.

Access is normally included in combination tickets for the circuit, but check the terms of your ticket.

13:15

Palatine Hill

From the Forum, continue directly on to the Palatine without leaving: with the standard ticket, the Roman Forum and Palatine form a single area with one entrance. Spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes among the remains of the imperial residences and the gardens, stopping at the viewpoints to look out over the Forum and the Circus Maximus from above.

Bring water: on hot days, the exposed stretches offer little shade.

14:45

Lunch in Monti

After leaving the archaeological area, head to the Monti district for a break and choose a trattoria, a pizza al taglio shop, or a sandwich. Budget around €12–25 per person for an informal lunch, depending on the venue and drinks.

The alleys of Monti are a good alternative to the more touristy activities right around the Colosseum.

16:15

Piazza del Campidoglio

Walk to Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, passing along the side of the Vittoriano and climbing the Cordonata staircase. The square and its view over the Forum are free to visit; if you go into the Capitoline Museums, budget around 15–20 € for a ticket and allow an additional 1–2 hours.

Visiting the Capitoline Museums is optional: add it only if you still have the energy and time.

19:00

Dinner between Monti and Celio

End the day with a stroll towards Monti or Celio and dinner at a trattoria. Budget around 25–40 € per person for a full meal; check the posted menu before sitting down.

After a day on your feet, taking the metro from Colosseo or Cavour station is often the most practical option.

08:00

Breakfast in Prati

Head to the Prati district, a convenient starting point for visiting the Vatican Museums, and have breakfast near Ottaviano or Cipro. A coffee and a pastry at the counter usually cost around 3–6 €.

From Termini, take metro line A to Ottaviano or Cipro, then continue on foot.

09:00

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Allow at least 3 hours for the main galleries, choosing a manageable route and leaving time for the Sistine Chapel. Admission prices vary, generally starting at around 20–30 € before any booking fees or guided-tour charges.

Booking through the official channel can help you avoid queues and choose an entry time.

12:15

Lunch in Prati

Head to one of the neighbourhood’s streets for a simple lunch, away from the restaurants right next to the attractions. Budget around 12–25 € per person for an informal meal.

Make time for a proper break: the Vatican Museums are extensive and the route is demanding.

13:45

St. Peter’s Basilica

After checking the day's access arrangements, enter the basilica to admire the Pietà, the central nave and Bernini’s baldachin. Entry to the basilica is generally free, while climbing the dome may cost around 10–15 € and involves many steps.

Modest attire is required; security queues can add to your visit time.

16:00

Walk to Castel Sant'Angelo

From the square, cross Via della Conciliazione and walk to Castel Sant’Angelo in about 15–20 minutes. The bridge offers a lovely view of the Tiber and the castle. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore inside; tickets may cost around 15–20 €.

Check the castle’s opening hours and entry availability, as these may vary by season.

18:00

Stroll along the river

Wind down with a leisurely walk along the river, or stop near Ponte Sant’Angelo for an aperitivo. Allow around 10–18 € per person for a drink and snacks, depending on the venue.

To head back, walk to the Lepanto area or take a bus, checking the latest service information.

19:30

Dinner in Prati

Head back to the Prati district for dinner, choosing from Roman cuisine, pizzerias and casual eateries. A dinner of a pasta course or pizza and a drink often costs around 20–35 € per person.

If you’ve visited the dome or the castle, consider having dinner earlier so the day doesn’t feel too tiring.

09:00

Campo de' Fiori

Start the day in the square and, if the market is open, stroll among the stalls selling produce and flowers. The market is held mainly in the mornings on weekdays and Saturdays; allow around 4–10 € for breakfast or a snack.

The stalls and their opening hours depend on the day of the week.

10:00

Piazza Navona

Walk to Piazza Navona in about 10 minutes and take in the square’s elongated shape, its fountains and the façade of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Visiting the square is free and takes around 30–45 minutes, or longer if you decide to visit any churches that are open.

The area is often quieter in the morning than around midday.

11:00

Pantheon

Continue on foot to the Pantheon and allow around 45–60 minutes to visit the monument, taking in the dome and the oculus. Entry may require a ticket and advance booking; budget around 5–10 € and check the latest requirements before your visit.

Entry arrangements may change: check opening hours and buy tickets through official channels.

12:15

Lunch in the historic center

Stop at a trattoria or deli in the streets between the Pantheon and Via del Corso. Allow around 15–28 € per person for a casual lunch; dining in the most famous squares can cost more.

Check the menu and cover charge before ordering, especially at restaurants with outdoor seating.

14:00

Trevi Fountain

Reach the Trevi Fountain with an approximately 15-minute walk and stop to admire its sculptures and theatrical composition. From the square, the fountain can be enjoyed freely, while access to the perimeter near the basin follows the official arrangements, which should be checked in advance; the area can be very crowded: allow 30–45 minutes for the stop and photos.

Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and follow the rules for visiting the monument.

15:30

Walk to Piazza di Spagna

Continue on foot to Piazza di Spagna in about 15–20 minutes, passing through the city center’s shopping streets. The piazza and the Spanish Steps are open to visitors free of charge; allow 45 minutes to stop and climb to the viewpoint, following local rules.

Climbing the steps is optional: if you’d rather rest, you can stay in the piazza at the foot of the staircase.

17:00

Break and stroll through the Tridente district

Take a break at a café or keep walking along Via del Babuino and Via del Corso, depending on your energy. A drink or gelato typically costs 4–8 €; the route is flexible and doesn’t require tickets.

To avoid too much walking, you can end your visit here and take the metro back from Spagna station.

19:00

Dinner in the city center

End the day with dinner in the historic center, or take public transport to a quieter area. Budget around 25–40 € per person for a sit-down dinner, with prices varying depending on the menu, drinks, and location.

Booking ahead is a good idea at popular restaurants, especially on weekends.